CONT'D
Quote:
MARGOG85: That is not an admission to an anti-christian bigotry. It is a statement indicating that my experiences with Christians have provided me with the perspective I now have
DE MARIA: That is bigotry. You are generalizing based upon your limited knowledge.
(condescendingly making the assumption that my statements are based upon limited knowledge)
That's not an assumption, that is a fact.
Quote:
DE MARIA: you come to the Christianity forum and attack Christianity and Christians in every way
(I've done no such thing- intentionally distorting the truth)
Ok, I guess that two.
Quote:
MARGOG85: I hold nothing against the Christian religion itself- and I respect and admire many Christians who are respectful of others and lack the self-righteous edge that you so proudly display.
DE MARIA: In other words, as long as Christians listen to you quietly, you don't mind them being around. But as soon as Christian defend their beliefs, why they're self righteous and rude.
(twisting what I've said to make me out to be the bad guy)
It sure seems that you want to force me to agree with you. Otherwise, you should have agreed to disagree a long time ago. But you keep coming back and twisting my words as though that's going to help convince me of your argument.
Quote:
MARGOG85: Inclusion
DE MARIA: Oh, I see. You want Christians to say, "Oh no, you're right and we're right and everyone is right." Nope. There is such a thing as truth. If you believe you have the truth, then by all means, stand up for it. But Christ is the real Truth and that's who I stand up for.
(twisting what I said and making inferences without grounds)
Again, explain yourself. I think I have plenty of grounds. Apparently you feel jilted if you aren't included in something. Or perhaps if someone doesn't agree with you. Otherwise, explain yourself. That's the impression I get. If you don't.
Quote:
MICHAELB: Back on topic though Christians are free to shop where ever they wish this Holiday season.
DE MARIA: Thanks. But we know.
(sarcastic and condescending)
I think it sarcastic and condescending of him to pretend to tell me what I already know. How do you suggest that I respond, " Oh thanks, I sure didn't know that. I'll go right out and shop at the nearest store of my choosing."
Get real!
Quote:
MICHAELB: What bothers me is when christians
Harass low paid holiday workers when they say "Happy Holidays".
DE MARIA: I don't know what you mean by harassment. Is it only when Christians demonstrate their concerns with a store's policies that you consider it harassment? Or do you also consider it harassment when nonChristians express their dissatisfaction to low paid holiday workers for saying, "Merry Christmas"?
(condescending and accusatory remarks made in response to a simple statement)
Honest question. He complains when Christians express their frustatrions. Does he complain when nonChristians do the same?
Quote:
DE MARIA: NonChristians assume that Christmas is the celebration of Christmas day alone.
(assumption that only Christians know what they're talking about)
Its not an assumption. Many non-Christians assume that Christmas is the celebration of Christmas day alone.
Here's just one example from Google:
Why Does Christmas Last So Long? - The PhoneBoy Vox
Why in the hell does Christmas seem to start before Thanksgiving and end at New Years? It's one day, and oh by the way, it's meant to celebrate the birth of Christ...
Phoneboy.vox.com/library/post/why-does-christmas-last-so-long.html - 77k -
Quote:
DE MARIA: why should we, Christians, the majority in this country, be made afraid to say "Merry Christmas" under threat of litigation and harassment...
The idea that we must always and everywhere say "Happy Holidays" and we are forbidden to say "Merry Christmas", that is offensive.
(exaggeration of the situation at hand- no one is making Christians fearful of saying 'Merry Christmas'- Christians are reacting to non-religious institutions, such as WALMART not recognizing their religion)
Since so many Christians are expressing concern over the matter, you just have to Google the internet to find out, I don't think I am exaggerating at all.
Quote:
And as far me having exposure to Christianity but not having a love for or knowledge of it- I do have an appreciation for Christianity and I have a wealth of knowledge, more so than many Christians I've encountered in my time. - if I did not at a time have a love for it, why would I have been involved in the long list of activities, events, and volunteer positions I listed to you? As I've already said, I spent a great part of my life in church, teaching, volunteering, praying, reading the Bible, as well as a number other Theological texts- as I was growing up my mother was obtaining her Masters degree in Theology and we discussed her classes and the information she was learning regularly. I assisted her in reviewing and writing papers. When she became a Theology teacher in a Catholic high school I assisted her in the development of lesson plans. I taught Christianity to children. I am knowledgeable in theological matters and have enough experience under my belt to make informed statements and observations without being ridiculed for being just another critical, stupid atheist as you apparently wanted to assume I was.
So please do not make the self righteous, arrogant, and entirely incorrect assumption that because I disagree with you I do not have any appreciation for or knowledge of Christianity. I simply have come to realize that it is not my path.
You didn't answer my question. Why did you feel that I had asked you for your life history? I don't remember saying anything about you directly which would result in your giving me your entire life history. I mean, its nice and everything, but what's the point. You still behave like an anti-Christian.
And, if you respect Christians as you say, you might want to exhibit that respect. I won't take it for granted that you respect Christians when you continually belittle their efforts to keep Christ in Christmas.
Quote:
In the words of Gandhi- 'I like your Christ, but I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.'
Another example of your anti-Christian bigotry..
For information, Gandhi was a Hindu. His personification of Christ as a total pacifists was a complete misunderstanding of the Scriptures. Here is what Jesus would say about those who misuse the Word of God:
Matthew 23 33 You serpents, generation of vipers, how will you flee from the judgment of hell?
Therefore, Jesus did not respond kindly to people misrepresenting His Word. As for me, I follow Christ. As St. Paul, another follower of Christ once said:
1 Corinthians 9
16 For if I preach the gospel, it is no glory to me, for a necessity lieth upon me: for woe is unto me if I preach not the gospel.
And saying Merry Christmas is my small way of preaching the Gospel.
Sorry for the lengthy response. I didn't want to leave anything out lest I be accused of selectively responding to the message.
Sincerely,
De Maria
